While you’re enjoying events, help keep the Oregon Coast a beautiful and safe place to visit.
Summer on the Oregon Coast is magical. The sunlight is sparkling, the beaches are filled with families and outdoor events draw visitors from around the globe. In July you might find yourself in Pacific City as the town celebrates its unique dory-fishing culture with a parade, artisan markets and a traditional fish fry during Dory Days. Kiddos love Garibaldi Days for rides on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railway and fireworks over the bay. The Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament bounces into town in early August, and relay runners cross the Seaside finish line of Hood to Coast later in the month. On the South Coast, the Bandon Cranberry Festival is a lively September hit with a parade, a classic car show — and a cranberry-eating contest.
Amidst all the summertime fun, however, it’s important to keep in mind that more people also means more congestion and stress on wildlife and the environment. Luckily, there are easy ways to “Coast Like a Local”: Practice kindness, minimize your impact and make sure everyone has fun while caring for the Coast. Here are some tips.
Slow Down and Be a Friend to Wildlife
Traffic can get a little heavy along the Oregon Coast during the summer months, so please be patient with others. Always watch for long-distance cyclists, as Highway 101 is a popular road trip. It’s essential, too, to read about new rules with National Forest Service recreation passes and Oregon State Parks parking permits before you go. Even better, explore car-free transit options to and around the Coast.
You’ll also want to watch for wildlife along the roads and elsewhere. Deer and elk have babies in late spring and early summer, so be especially mindful during this time.
You may come across seals and sea lions sunbathing on Oregon’s beaches and exposed rocks, as well. Give them plenty of space — at least 50 feet. Harbor seal pupping season runs from March through August; mothers often leave their pups alone as they hunt for food, so watch for the little ones on the beach and keep your dogs away from them.
The Oregon Coast is also a haven for birders looking to spot bald eagles, puffins and other feathered friends. Help protect seabirds nesting on seastacks by staying off them – it’s prohibited to climb on these giant rocks or on any offshore island in the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
In tidepools, touch sea critters gently, resisting the urge to move them or take them home with you and step only on bare, dry rocks to protect delicate ecosystems.
Dogs, Campfires and Drones
Oregon’s beaches and most trails welcome well-behaved pups, but please stay a safe distance away from birds, carry a leash and use it whenever necessary (look for signage).
It’s also important to know when and where dogs are prohibited. We can all help protect the threatened western snowy plover shorebird by knowing the regulations related to nesting season from March 15 to Sept. 15 each year, and keeping your dog out of these areas.
Building a small fire on the beach and roasting marshmallows can be one of the highlights of your trip — as long as you’re careful and follow a few rules. Wildfires are a serious issue in Oregon during the summer, so check to see if a fire ban is in effect first. Build your fire with small pieces of wood and on dry, open sand far away from beach grass, keeping it smaller than the size of a beach chair. Douse it well with water — not sand — before you call it a night.
Thinking about using a drone? Check out new rules in 2026 about operating drones in state parks that aim to protect wildlife and other visitors.
Volunteer and Pay the Love Forward
Whether you’re hiking through old-growth rainforest on the Tillamook Head Trail or exploring the otherworldly Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, following Leave No Trace principles is an easy way to respect the environment during your summer getaway. If you want to make a bigger impact, you can spend a few hours volunteering.
The nonprofit organization SOLVE hosts beach cleanups, waterway cleanups and trail-maintenance parties up and down the Coast throughout the year. If you’re planning to visit Seaside, sign up for the Treasure the Beach cleanup held the first Saturday of each month. Find out more about cleanup events in this handy article.
Have a green thumb? You can volunteer with the North Coast Land Conservancy and help maintain hiking trails. Trailkeepers of Oregon also hosts summer trail parties at Cape Perpetua on the Central Coast. All are a great way to meet new friends and give back to the Coast.
– By Michelle Kehm
– Top photo Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament courtesy of Visit Seaside